Views & Comments
“We were very impressed by the performing and supporting facilities at Cranleigh, but also by the attention that we received from the music staff. As classical musicians ourselves, we really loved the fact that there was a huge range of other music that was encouraged and obviously flourished at Cranleigh. There seems to be a very flexible approach to music teaching, taking in areas that we haven’t seen in other schools. The concerts that we’ve attended have been fantastic and have included every style of music one could hope for and at standards ranging from the very accomplished to the truly professional. These have provided wonderful entertainment for us and a real opportunity for our daughter to experience a wide range of music performed at the highest level. We’ve all enjoyed this experience, but most of all because we’ve been encouraged to do it together.”
Martin Hollister: Parent
“Being a Music Scholar can be hard work at times, but it is really rewarding. You have a great responsibility, but it also means you are highly respected in the Music Department and throughout the School. I’m really enjoying being a Music Scholar!”
Sam McCagherty: Music Scholar (Fourth Form)
“Whether you are hoping to become the next world’s greatest performer or are simply playing music for your own pleasure, there are brilliant opportunities to develop, discuss and enjoy your musical ability. I always enjoy using the wonderful facilities, especially, being a pianist myself, the Steinway pianos. I feel really fortunate that I can practise and perform on these beautiful instruments.”
Jocelyn Waller: Music Scholar (Lower Sixth Form)
“I’ve only been in the School a few weeks but my first impressions are that it has great teaching, great facilities and it’s most of all great fun. There are opportunities everywhere to play so many different types of music. As a Scholar I do have to work a lot, but it is definitely worth the effort.”
Edward Hamilton: Music Scholar (Fourth Form)
“It’s great to work in a music department where there’s a strong sense that everyone counts, both staff and pupils. Whether a child has a serious musical talent that needs development or just wants to learn for relaxation and fun, he or she will find the support, dedication and humour here that will really help them to take their playing to the next stage. In my work I see the inside of many music departments and I am always glad when it’s my Cranleigh days!”
Janet Newman: Visiting piano teacher
“My first impressions of the Music Department were ones of a homely, sensitive department because everyone was always willing to help me, especially when I was new”.
Edward Griffiths: Music Scholar (Upper Fifth Form)
“Throughout my time in the School the Music staff have always been very encouraging and fully supportive of my musical studies, and have become good friends. No matter what standard you are, the opportunities that they provide us to perform in all sorts of concerts are endless. Everyone has a fantastic chance to have great fun performing and learning to appreciate all forms of music.”
Daniel Sheppard: Music Scholar (Upper Sixth Form)
Music at Cranleigh brings people together, whether as part of intimate ensembles, the creative atmosphere and polished performances of the school Symphony Orchestra, or colourful full-scale productions of musicals. What's more, regardless of each Cranleighan's musical ability, events such as ‘Camerata’ evenings encouraged us to open our minds to different forms of music. Music is never a 'club' at Cranleigh; the Music Scholarships awarded only confirm the individual treatment of each musician. Students who aspire to higher levels of performance are nurtured professionally, but equal is the encouragement given to those who simply wish to explore the music world as a casual hobby. The informal lunchtime concerts every week ensure that, whenever you're ready to perform a piece, there will always be a relaxed concert atmosphere in which to build up confidence in performance. I will always look back on my musical time at Cranleigh with much affection and gratitude.”
Adam Crowther: Undergraduate, Christ Church, Oxford (former Music Scholar)